The decision comes after the Shenendehowa district's last budget called for more than 40 jobs to be shed.

"We are cutting staff and making reductions in other places," he said. "It was the right thing to do as the leader of this organization."

Robinson makes $187,500 a year. His share of health care costs will rise from 10 to 15 percent.

He becomes the first district employee to pay 15 percent of health care costs, but he said he wants other workers to share a similar portion of the expense. He could not say how much more he would have to pay, but said the added expense was meant to send a message.

"You can't ask people to go to places you're not willing to go yourself," he said. "I'd be a hypocrite to say to folks 'We're looking at cost reductions' if I'm not willing to do it myself. We're trying to curb costs."

His decision comes as the district is in the midst of negotiations with the Civil Service Employees Association for a new contract. Next year, its teachers contract will be up for negotiation.

"The fastest-growing area of increase for us is the insurance cost," Robinson said. "That 85/15 is still a good deal for employees. As a school organization, we want to get to 85/15 or 80/20."

The salary freeze and higher insurance costs were part of an agreement reached with the Shenendehowa Board of Education that added another year to the superintendent's contract. Every year, the board decides whether to extend Robinson's contract by another year. With this action, the school leader now has a contract through 2014, the longest allowed under state law.

In difficult economic times, Robinson said, the job security is worth more than money.

"Having a young family, that's probably more important to me than the financial piece," he said.

Tim O'Brien can be reached at 454-5092 or by e-mail at tobrien@timesunion.com.